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Cost of Living Calculator Fin Aid Wustl Brown

Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team

This cost of living calculator helps students estimate their expenses at Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) and Brown University, accounting for financial aid. The tool provides a comparison of tuition, housing, food, transportation, and other costs at both institutions.

Introduction

Choosing between Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) and Brown University is an important decision for prospective students. Both institutions offer excellent academic programs, but their cost of living can vary significantly. This calculator helps you estimate your expenses at each school, considering financial aid.

The cost of living at a university includes tuition, housing, food, transportation, and other personal expenses. Financial aid can significantly reduce these costs, so it's important to factor that into your budget planning.

How to Use This Calculator

To use this calculator, follow these steps:

  1. Select your university (WUSTL or Brown)
  2. Enter your expected tuition and fees
  3. Enter your estimated housing costs
  4. Enter your estimated food and dining costs
  5. Enter your estimated transportation costs
  6. Enter your estimated financial aid amount
  7. Click "Calculate" to see your estimated cost of living

The calculator will display your total estimated cost of living and the amount you'll pay after financial aid.

Formula

The cost of living is calculated using the following formula:

Total Cost of Living = Tuition + Housing + Food + Transportation

Amount After Financial Aid = Total Cost of Living - Financial Aid

This formula provides a simple way to estimate your expenses at each university. Keep in mind that actual costs may vary based on your specific situation.

Example Calculation

Let's look at an example calculation for a student at WUSTL:

  • Tuition: $50,000
  • Housing: $12,000
  • Food: $6,000
  • Transportation: $2,000
  • Financial Aid: $20,000

Using the formula:

Total Cost of Living = $50,000 + $12,000 + $6,000 + $2,000 = $70,000

Amount After Financial Aid = $70,000 - $20,000 = $50,000

This means the student would pay $50,000 after financial aid at WUSTL.

WUSTL vs. Brown Comparison

Here's a comparison of typical costs at WUSTL and Brown University:

Expense Category WUSTL Brown
Tuition (in-state) $50,000 $55,000
Housing (on-campus) $12,000 $15,000
Food $6,000 $7,000
Transportation $2,000 $3,000
Total Estimated Cost $70,000 $80,000

This table shows that Brown University typically has higher costs across most categories. However, financial aid can significantly reduce these costs for both institutions.

FAQ

How accurate is this cost of living calculator?

This calculator provides estimates based on typical costs and your inputs. Actual costs may vary depending on your specific situation and changes in university policies.

Can I use this calculator for out-of-state students?

This calculator is designed for in-state students. Out-of-state students may have different tuition rates and financial aid options.

How do I find out my exact financial aid amount?

You should contact the financial aid office at your chosen university for an exact financial aid award. This calculator uses estimates to help you plan.